East County Man Headed to Court for Evading Police, Reckless Driving, Hit-And-Run

An El Cajon man who was high on methamphetamine when he led deputies on a pursuit through southeastern San Diego, crashing the stolen car he was driving into several vehicles, is scheduled to be sentenced today in a downtown courtroom.

Adrian Atondo, who has a 1994 conviction for burglary, pleaded guilty in April to three felony counts, including evading officers with reckless driving and hit-and-run causing injury. He will be sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.

Atondo, 49, was spotted just before 9 p.m. March 8, when a deputy's computerized camera indicated he was driving a stolen Honda Civic on state Route 94, according to San Diego County sheriff's Sgt. Dave Martinez.

The deputy requested help from California Highway Patrol and San Diego police officers and followed the driver off the eastbound 94 and onto surface streets in southeast San Diego, Martinez said. Officers attempted to stop the car, but Atondo sped off.

The stolen car crashed into another vehicle in the 6200 block of eastbound Imperial Avenue, then crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with two more vehicles. Atondo then stopped and tried to run away from the wrecked Honda, according to the sergeant.

Martinez said Atondo was arrested a short time later and was later found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of methamphetamine. He also had an outstanding felony warrant.

Atondo was taken to a hospital after complaining of back pain and then was booked into jail.

One of the drivers whose car was struck by the Honda was taken to a hospital after complaining of arm pain, Martinez said.